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MESSENGER is the story of a mysterious old woman who delivers life-changing messages to seemingly random people all over New York City and Alana, a young journalist determined to uncover Messenger’s story. In the surprise ending, Alana discovers the true meaning of their journey together. You can find the complete text of each episode, Questions to Ponder and show credits in the episode description.
Short reviews from the PlayNext desk, based on the episodes we processed.
Alana leaves the alley with a job, promised help, and the first outline of a message.
An alley turns into the threshold for Alana's next assignment, as Messenger finally explains why answers about the Watchers, her daughter, and the larger secrets had to wait.
Alana looks for Messenger as Ed reveals the promise that helped him stop drinking.
Alana Takes Stock uses Messenger's disappearance to ask what is left once public attention has already moved on. After Ricky Brockhoff is identified and charged, the reporters flatten the violence into another act of urban terrorism, while Alana stays in the neighborhood,…
A park visit, a hospital wait, and seven conclusions pull Alana's guilt into darker territory.
The last morning in the park turns a familiar meeting place into a place where nothing feels fully safe. Alana sees police around the South Gate, thinks back to a strange woman's warning, and tries to hang on to the childhood idea that police are friends.
Dice, divine mysteries, and the trouble with good intentions.
Messenger: A Novel in 16 Episodes ends with episode 16, In the Alley, after Alana meets Messenger and Jackie in an alley off 5th Street near 1st Avenue.
A bonus episode featuring real-life messages from listeners about life-changing moments, tied to the themes of the fictional podcast series.
In Messenger: A Novel in 16 Episodes, episode 15, “Alana Takes Stock,” Alana searches the neighborhood and internet for Messenger after Ricky Brockhoff is identified and charged in the attack.
At the park’s South Gate, Alana and Messenger walk into police presence and a crowd gathered around the fountain because people want messages from Messenger.